Characterization news, May 2021

Stable molten salts hold the key to solar storage

earth-abundant molten salt, based on seawater-derived sodium chloride, is stable enough to be used for solar thermal energy storage

New study rises to challenge of understanding heat-resistant materials

By combining experiments and computer simulations, researchers have found a way to determine what happens to refractory oxides at high temperatures.

BBA Advances - First papers published

Call for Papers: New Journal

Winner of 2021 CSTE Outstanding Young Researcher Award announced

Nanomesh takes 2D materials into the next dimension

Scientists have found a way to arrange 2D sheets of tungsten disulfide into a 3D configuration known as a nanomesh, which has a modified energy landscape.

New study makes bit of an advance with antiferromagnets

By doping electrons into an antiferromagnetic material, researchers have found they can turn its antiferromagnetism on and off in a controllable way.

In memory of Dr. Susan Odom

Clear route to anode-free sodium-ion battery

By eliminating the anode and reducing the water content of the electrolyte, researchers have developed a stable, highly efficient sodium-ion battery.

New study concentrates on state of exotic superconductor

Scientists have characterized how the electronic states in an exotic iron-based superconductor depend on local chemical concentrations.

New microscopy technique shows affinity for surface acidity

Using a specially modified atomic force microscope, researchers have been able to determine the proton affinity of individual atoms on a surface.

Lobster belly inspires new tough, stretchy hydrogel material

A hydrogel-based material that mimics the structure of the lobster's underbelly is able to withstand repeated stretches and strains without tearing.

New finding makes waves in unconventional superconductors

Scientists have glimpsed the signature of an exotic phase of matter called pair-density waves in an unconventional superconductor.

Gold can stop silver leaching from catalytic nanoparticles

Scientists have used sophisticated microscopy techniques to reveal how the gold in gold-silver nanoparticles can prevent the silver from leaching out.